Getting ready for the festivities

There's more to having a successful Independence Day than just barbecue and fireworks. Safety is a top priority, and Lt. Tim Pearson's job is to see that emergency vehicles can pass over the Fifth Street Bridge. Pearson, North Augusta Department of Public Safety information officer, sets out cones Friday for parking for emergency vehicles near the Fifth Street bridge. The bridge was blocked to traffic to accommodate the crowd for fireworks Friday night in Augusta.